Where To Travel In 2019: Rimini, Italy

Want to stroll painted pastel streets dedicated to a film auteur and stay in a room that would make Stanley Kubrick swoon?

Then put Rimini on your travel radar.

Rimini is located on the Adriatic coast and is part of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. (You might have heard of Emilia-Romagna, which is also home to Bologna, site of the world's foodie theme park, Eataly Fico.) Rimini is easy to reach by train from Florence and Bologna.

To visit Italy is to get an upfront dose of history, and Rimini is no different.

The Surgeon's House, Rimini

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The so-called Surgeon's House, located in the center of town, reveals a nearly intact Roman-era house and pristine murals. The archeological site, also called Domus Rimini, was first discovered in 1989, and excavated for nearly 20 years before debuting to the public in Dec. 2007.

Layers of excavation reveal dwellings from a range of time periods, spanning from the Medieval era to late second century A.D. In addition to the remains of old buildings, researchers uncovered an early burial ground.

The site is named after a Roman-era doctor who lived in what was once a two-story house with multiple rooms, including an operating room with early medical tools.

An intact Roman-era mosaic, Domus Rimini

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Mosaics, Domus Rimini

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Rimini is the birthplace of Federico Fellini, who directed "La Dolce Vita" and "La Strada." The city's favorite son is commemorated in the streets of the Borgo San Giuliano.

Borgo San Giuliano, Rimini.

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Take a leisurely stroll in this picturesque neighborhood, where colorful murals broadcast scenes from Fellini movies.

The painted murals in Borgo San Giuliano,Rimini.

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Murals in Borgo San Giuliano,Rimini.

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Speaking of Fellini, Cinema Fulgor, the movie palace he visited as a child, and which he cited as a longtime inspiration for his work, has been recently restored to its stately elegance after a five-year restoration.

The Cinema Fulgor, during restoration.

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The cinema is inspired by Hollywood's golden age and designed by Academy Award winning art director Dante Ferretti. Now showing classic films in two screening rooms, the cinema makes a glamorous addition to downtown Rimini.

Construction started in 1843, with doors opening in 1857. The opening performance was Verdi's opera "Aroldo". The theater's last performance took place in 1943, shortly before it was nearly destroyed in a World War II bombing. Closed for 75 years, the restored theater kicked off its newest season last fall with a performance by Cecilia Bartoli.

Speaking of glamour, try to stay in the Duomo Hotel, a slick neo-classic confection designed by Ron Arad.

Hotel Duomo, Rimini

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A room in the Hotel Duomo, Rimini.

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When the hotel check-in desk looks like an alien's lost bracelet, you can imagine that the rooms are going to look like something out of Stanley Kubrick's fever dreams. And the hotel definitely delivers world-class style and a lively bar scene, right in the center of town.

Bars in town are hit or miss, and cater to the young collegiate crowd. That said, it's worth strolling along the main strip, which is filled with people until late. You can find an outdoor bar with a big selection of wine and amaro, and pass the time people-watching until it's time to head home.

A bar in downtown Rimini.

Elva Ramirez

I am a former Wall Street Journal reporter and video producer, and the founder of Ambianceuse.com, a website dedicated to luxury travel, food and spirits. Follow me on Instagram at @HelloAmbianceuse.